Mid-season review: Collingwood

Collingwood's mid-season report cardPeter Ryan takes a look at the Magpies season so far

Scott Pendlebury has led from the front in customary fashion for the Pies

The season so far

Collingwood has had a 'nearly' season so far, losing seven games by an average margin of just 14 points. Poor kicking for goal was the most obvious issue early in the season, but the forward line and the midfield were not connecting. The low point was a 23-point loss to Carlton in round seven, but since then the Pies have played well, attacking through the middle and creating scoring opportunities to win four games and lose two by less than a goal.

Stats leaders

Best win

Round 11 against Fremantle. With three players off injured, Tyson Goldsack playing with a fractured scapula during the last quarter and the Dockers drawing level at home, the Magpies rallied for a team-lifting 20-point win.

One that got away

Round eight against Greater Western Sydney. After shooting to an early lead, the Magpies held on, and on, and on until Steve Johnson crumbed a high kick front and square and goaled to steal victory in the final minute.

Best and fairest leader: Scott Pendlebury

Surprise packet: Brayden Maynard

Who's struggling: Mason Cox

Missing in action

Chris Mayne. The free agent has played just three games after arriving from Fremantle on a four-year deal. No-one can fault his effort, but he is yet to play well enough in the VFL to break back into the team.

The concern

Nothing has been easy for Collingwood this season, with every game a dogfight. Initially it was conversion that was the problem; now, it's an inability to keep its shape for an entire game. The Magpies have been consistent in applying pressure, but have not been skilful enough on all lines to make the opposition wilt.

Pass mark

Six games at the MCG and Port Adelaide and Gold Coast outside Victoria gives the Magpies a chance in each of their final 10 games. Going 6-4 on the run home would be a reasonable result, but it would leave the Magpies with 11 wins, probably not enough to make finals.

The coach

Nathan Buckley has done an excellent job under enormous pressure, setting up the team well enough to give them a chance to win. The players are clearly invested in his plan, and they have improved from round six onwards.

How the best 22 has changed

The class of Daniel Wells and Jamie Elliott made a significant impact when they returned, but it was more the direct style that ensued after round seven that made a difference rather than a shift in personnel. The Magpies also went with a small forward line that allowed it to put more pressure on the opposition when the ball hit the ground.